Magnificent Obsession

Douglas Sirk directed a lot of films that capitalized on the melodramas that were highly popular in the fifties. In "Magnificent Obsession" he shows why he was probably the man that was born to direct this film, as well as others of the genre. This is a remake of the film of 1935, which had been a vehicle for Irene Dunne and Robert Taylor.

Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson seemed to be unlikely candidates for playing a romantic couple in the movies. After all, Ms. Wyman was older than Mr. Hudson and clearly appeared to be in the film. The story, which is based on LLoyd Douglas novel, has a little bit of everything.

"Magnificent Obsession" proved to be a hit for its stars. In a way, it's easy to see why fans were attracted to it, with its many twists and turns and the impossible love between Helen and Dr. Bob Merrick, the playboy who becomes contrite after he causes the accident that makes Helen blind. Also in the cast the magnificent Agnes Moorehead, who has great moments in the film.

This is a nice remake of the classic 1935 film of the same title that starred Irene Dunne and Robert Taylor, this 1954 adaptation is fathful to former original . This time is starred by Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson, both of whom give fine acting . It deals with a drunken playboy : Rock Hudson inadvertently causes death Jane Wyman's husband, but then Wyman to be knocked down in an automobile accident and eventually blinded. The the alcoholic playboy plagued by guilt leaves his previous roguish life and devots his existence to studying medicine in order to restore the widow's sight . Stricken with remorse , he gets redemption by becoming a surgeon and attempting to cure her . The story of a woman's need for a man that will become one of the great emotional tour lifetime ¡ .The great love story by the author of "The Robe" by Lloyd C. Douglas . Here is a love story that will become one of the deepest emotional thrills of your lifetime !.

A melodramatic movie with emotion , romance , fatalism, sacrifice and tragedy . Starring duo are pretty well, Rock Hudson as the playboy who for a deep feeeling of guilt he becomes a brain surgery, though he looks a touch bewildered but toughs it out , this role lifted Rock to stardom. However , this character was firstly offered to Jeff Chandler , but he turned down, the reason for considering the film was too much soapy . While Jane Wyman as the mature widow takes it in her stride, she had Academy Award Nomination but lost to Audrey Hepburn for "Roman Holiday" directed by William Wyler . Other secondaries are frankly well , such as : Barbara Rush , Paul Cavanagh , Otto Kruger , Gregg Palmer, Richard Cutting, Mae Clarke and Agnes Moorehead.

It contains luxurious and colorful cinematography by Russell Metty . As well as sensitive and romantic musical by Frank Skinner .The motion picture lavishly produced Universal Pictures/Ross Hunter was compellingly directed by Douglas Sirk. He was an expert on melodrama, though also made other genres , such as : " A scandal in París" "Lured", "First Legion", "All I desire", "All the Heaven allows", "Written on the Wind", "Tarnished Angels", "Battle Hymn" , "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" , "Athila King of Huns" , "A Time to Love and a Time to Die" , "Imitation of Life" , among others. The yarn will appeal to Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman fans . Rating : 7/10. Better than average . Well worth seeing .

I am a Douglas Sirk devotee and regard him as one of the screen's more underrated directors. Having said that, I regard "Magnificent Obsession" as a bit much, even for Sirk. I like Sirk because, even though he is a master of soapers, he is more than that. His films contain social commentaries that are often biting, and they often contain good character studies. In this preachy film the social commentary is absent and the characters are one dimensional. But I can forgive all this because the acting is good--Wyman, Kruger, and Moorhead are excellent--and Sirk showed that Rock Hudson could act if properly directed. This was Hudson's breakthrough film. But the music is almost too much to bear! I have never heard such wretchedly maudlin, and loud, movie music in my life. The heavenly choruses in the background are shameless. In spite of all this, however, it is all quite entertaining. 7/10

Jane Wyman is stiff and motionless both before and after becoming blind. She reacts to bad news as though someone has just told her the morning paper has been mislaid. She seems so much older than Rock Hudson that the love interest between them is unbelievable and seems silly. I thought she seems old enough to be his mother. Why do blind people in movies not recognize the voice of someone known prior to blindness? This also makes the story unbelievable. There is much music, mostly Chopin, in the background (coming to the foreground frequently). Rock Hudson's car is one of the most interesting items in this movie. A blind person would surely recognize the sound, smell, feel of a car like this! Based on this car and Hudson's valiant work to carry this movie, I give this a 5 star rating.

romanticism. Rock Hudson in one of his most interesting roles. drama and flavor of soap opera and fragments from atmosphere of a lost time. a film about true love against mistakes and errors from past and illusions. sure, not a great one but perfect for the admirers of the director and actors and as refuge in a pink place. but Magnificent Obsession has the gift to be more than a nice movie. but the occasion for discover the art of Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson to explore the details of roles in wise manner. to say a great story about the second chance. and, sure, about the force of love. so, in strange manner, a memorable film. fascinating, sure, first for the performances of the lead actors.